Europe Defence News

Switzerland; DDPS requests $ 9.3B. for national air –defense modernization program

Swiss Defense Minister Guy Parmelin will tomorrow (Sept. 6) request a budget of nine billion francs to ensure the future of Switzerland’s air defense. This envelope includes the future surface-to-air defense system (BODLUV) and the acquisition of new combat aircraft.

The bulk of the envelope, between six and eight billion, is earmarked for the air force and will fund about 40 aircraft, depending on which aircraft is selected. As a reminder, the Swiss people had refused the acquisition of the Gripen NG at a cost of 3.1 billion Swiss francs. The balance of Parmelin’s request will go to acquire a missile system that will replace the 35mm DCA guns and the Rapier ground-to-air missiles, which are nearing the end of their service life.